subject: West Vancouver May Relax Real Estate Regulations on Secondary Suites [print this page] West Vancouver May Relax Real Estate Regulations on Secondary Suites
A small group of residents attended a February 28 public hearing regarding West Vancouver's proposed amendment to a significant zoning bylaw. Five people expressed their views either for or against a plan that would legally permit non-owners to occupy suites.
One resident, Gordon Ward-Hall, said that the primary purpose of the secondary suite plan was to create financial benefits to occupant homeowners. To add rental properties that are owned only for business would tend to weaken the purpose of the initial program.
Bob Sokol, who is the director of planning, permits and lands, said that the amendment to the bylaw would provide the onus for homeowners to register their own suites. The ultimate effect could be enhanced standards of safety within the district. He commented that secondary suites provide more affordable residences, offering important community benefits.
Sokol noted that there are currently 230 registered secondary-suite properties in West Vancouver, but believes that there could be as many as 800 suites that are not registered in the district. He said that if the bylaw could be changed, many more owners of non-occupied suites might register their residences. A registered property would be subject to inspections, ultimately improving safety and health standards for those living in the secondary-suite homes.
Under the existing zoning bylaw that was approved a year ago, homeowners are allowed to rent out a suite in the home they occupy. There is an annual fee of $350. This bylaw was initiated in order to ensure that property owners lived in their residences, and avoided the possibility of the home becoming a nuisance within its neighbourhood.
If approved, the changed bylaw would permit the rental of suites in homes that are not occupied by their owners. The property owner would need to pay an annual fee of $450 that would be used to cover administrative costs. Also, the owner of the rental property would have to give a valid contact phone number for a property manager located on the North Shore.
It's always tricky to make enough money to cover a mortgage in Vancouver, so it's great to hear they are looking at relaxing this rule.
